Research Library: Côte d'Ivoire
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Country Information | Statistics | Web Resources |
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Last Updated Dec 17, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Côte d'Ivoire is a republic, however, the government is currently operating under a power-sharing agreement mandated by international mediators. The president, elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits), serves as chief of state while the prime minister, who is appointed by the president, serves as head of government. There is also a unicameral National Assembly consisting of 225 seats. All members are elected by direct vote to serve a term of five years.
- President Laurent Gbagbo was elected president in 2000 for a five-year mandate, but was given a seventh successive year in power in 2006 under a UN plan for lasting peace. Prime Minister Guillaume Soro was appointed by Gbagbo in March 2007, weeks after the former arch-rivals signed a power-sharing peace agreement.
Political Stability
- Côte d'Ivoire was politically stable from its independence from France in 1960 until 1999. However, in 2000, President Laurent Gbagbo took power following a popular uprising in support of his election victory after junta leader Gen. Robert Guei claimed a hesitant victory. Then, coup attempts in 2001 and 2002 eventually escalated into a national crisis, culminating in the signing of the power-sharing reconciliation government, which remains in place to this day.
- At present, Côte d'Ivoire remains divided with rebel groups occupying the northern part of the country. The political situation depends on whether its political system, following the upheavals of recent years, will provide for enduring stability, which is critical for further economic development. Additional democratic reform is also necessary to increase political stability in Côte d'Ivoire.
Current Government Policies
- Currently, the government is concerned with succeeding in implementing the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, which is set out to address the Côte d'Ivoire's high crime rate, their high incidence of AIDS, sporadic student unrest, the differential rate of in-country development according to region, and a multiplicity of tribes. They are also focusing on returning the economy to one of consistent growth.
International Reputation
- The Ivorian government traditionally plays a constructive role throughout Africa (notably Liberia and Angola). They also maintain a wide array of diplomatic contacts. Côte d'Ivoire is a member of the UN and all its specialized agencies, including: the AU, ECOWAS, African Mauritian Common Organization, Council of Entente, and many more. They are also a member of the IMF and WTO.
Economics
- The Ivorian economy is a largely market-based one, depending heavily on the agricultural sector. Throughout the 1980's and early 1990's the economy performed rather poorly, and high population growth coupled with economic decline resulted in a major fall in living standards.
- Despite government attempts to expand the economy, Côte d'Ivoire is still dependent on agricultural activities (engaging roughly 68% of the population). The main exports include petroleum, cocoa, coffee, cotton, pineapples, tuna, and tropical woods.
Foreign Aid
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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